From Nov. 12-14, county officials will attend the Kansas Association of Counties annual conference in Wichita. County Administrator Richard Boeckman reviewed the KAC legislative platform with the County Commission during its meeting Monday morning.

Sen. Pat Roberts Thursday evening launched a hectic tour of the massive Big First congressional district with an ice cream social in Great Bend in a effort to reach out to the voters who have supported him for decades. The three-term senator is in the midst of a heated re-election battle with Independent challenger Greg Orman.

The search for a replacement for retiring Police Chief Dean Akings is in the beginning stages, City Administrator Howard Partiangton told the City Council Monday night. Partington will be gathering input from employees and governing body members into the development of an updated job description.

Demolition of the old opera house building at Forest and Williams will begin Thursday or Friday, Great Bend city officials said Tuesday. The work, being done by Nelson Stone, could take two or three weeks.

Democratic First District congressional hopeful Jim Sherow said Monday he understands where local officials are coming from when they worry about federal funding, transportation, agriculture and other issues that impact the economy of rural Kansas.

As we get down to the wire before the Tuesday, Nov. 4, general election, campaign passions may flare. The Great Bend Tribune appreciates the willingness of those running for office and those supporting the candidates to adhere to the newspaper's letters to the editor policy.